Along with the recruitment of young forward Angelo Henriquez, and the presence of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez, spaces will be limited this season for Welbeck, who impressed last term with nine league goals. However, Carrick insists that Welbeck's versatility will provide him with ample game time.

"We've got five options up front, really, and Danny has played in different positions," Carrick told reporters.

"He's also played out wide and done fine. But I think he'll play more than his fair share of games up front and score enough goals."

The fact that Welbeck signed a four-year deal with the club indicates that he feels his future is firmly at Old Trafford - and playing alongside other great strikers can only aid Welbeck's game, says Carrick: "Watching the likes of Robin and Wayne [Rooney] will improve him as the years go by."

The Dutchman has had a fantastic start at Manchester United, hitting four goals in three games, including a hat-trick to salvage a 3-2 win for United at newly promoted Southampton. Carrick suggested that Van Persie is a "special" player to play alongside, and will be a valuable addition to the side.

"To get off the mark like he did at home [volleying a goal against Fulham] with pretty much his first touch of the ball was special. Then his hat-trick was much needed because we were in a tough position. It’s a better start than he could have hoped for and he will be looking to carry it on.

"When the ball came to him for his first goal at Southampton I was so confident it was going to be a goal. To have someone like that in your team is satisfying because you know if you supply him with the right ammunition he will put it away.

"Hopefully Robin has a few more hat-tricks and goals in him for this season."

Who do you think should be Goal.com International's World Player of the Week this week? Leave your nomination in the comments section of THIS article between 10:00 every Sunday and 11:00CET every Monday. We will include some of the best suggestions in our winners piece.